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Prevalence and social determinants of suicidal behaviours among college youth in India

Author

Listed:
  • Yogini Nath
  • Joel Paris
  • Brett Thombs
  • Laurence Kirmayer

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the prevalence of and factors associated with suicide ideation and suicide attempts among college youth in India. Aims: The aims were to estimate the prevalence of suicidal behaviours among Indian college students and identify potential risk factors for suicide ideation and attempts. Method: The study surveyed 1,817 undergraduate college students aged 18–24 years in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with a questionnaire that assessed suicidal behaviours as well as stressful situations and life events. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess risk factors. Results: The prevalence of lifetime suicide ideation and lifetime suicide attempts was 11.7% and 4.0%, respectively. Suicide ideation was predicted by female gender, odds ratio ( OR ) = 1.41, 95% CI 1.01, 1.97, economic stress, OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.11, 1.24, stress due to life events involving religious violence in the community, OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.15, 1.78, and life events involving caste conflicts or caste discrimination, OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.13, 1.46. Female gender and caste-related life events were not significantly associated with suicide attempts but economic stress and stressful experience of religious conflict continued to be significantly associated with lifetime suicide attempt, OR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.08, 1.31, and OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.14, 2.17, respectively. Conclusions: In this sample, college students from low socioeconomic classes who faced economic difficulties, and students who experienced distress as a result of caste discrimination or caste conflict, and communal unrest, were at a higher risk for suicidal behaviour.

Suggested Citation

  • Yogini Nath & Joel Paris & Brett Thombs & Laurence Kirmayer, 2012. "Prevalence and social determinants of suicidal behaviours among college youth in India," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 58(4), pages 393-399, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:58:y:2012:i:4:p:393-399
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764011401164
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kijima, Yoko, 2006. "Caste and Tribe Inequality: Evidence from India, 1983-1999," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 54(2), pages 369-404, January.
    2. DR Adityanjee, 1986. "Suicide Attempts and Suicides in India," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 32(2), pages 64-73, June.
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